TaxSlayer Gator Bowl working with city of Jacksonville on new lease

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The 2020 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl finished strong Thursday night with 61,000 fans in attendance.

“It was right down to the wire. Television ratings should be phenomenal, a lot of exposure for the City of Jacksonville, so we’re really happy,” said Rick Catlett, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl President.

It’s the outcome they’re been wanting for quite some time. The Gator Bowl hasn’t had a stellar fan base for the past couple of years, only reaching a little more than 38,000 fans last year.

“It’s been a struggle the last few years, but we think this new deal will really help,” Catlett said.

The new deal will last for the next six years and it will only feature ACC and SEC match ups.

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That way, there will likely be less travel for the teams and for the fans.

Plus, they scored a better deal with ESPN, which has given the Gator Bowl more money for the team payout.

“So basically, after the CFP, the bowl in Orlando and the Gator Bowl, we’ll have the next selection. So reall,y getting better teams and more regional teams,” Catlett said.

But the Gator Bowl’s contract with the City of Jacksonville hasn’t been renewed just yet. It expires March 31.

Catlett said they’ve already begun discussions.

“The city has been very cooperative and very supportive, and after all, they should be. We’re bringing in $12-$14 million to the economy every year.”

Catlett believes a good lease will be reached.

Action News Jax reached out to the city for comment and Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Jacksonville Brian Hughes sent this statement:

“We had a great event yesterday and anticipate a new contract in the weeks ahead. The tradition will continue. It’s just a matter of sitting down and doing the paperwork.”